Florida

8 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Orlando for Fun-Filled Days with Your Mascot

Make it a full family vacation at these lodging facilities, which open their doors for guests' pooches — and often other household animals too

I’m all packed, ready to hop in the car and start a new vacation adventure and then I see my hounds’ eyes. They somehow know that I’m headed farther than the supermarket, that I’ll be gone overnight or even for a week or more. That tilt of the head, those sad little faces.

If I were headed to my hometown, Orlando, I wouldn’t have to abandon those four-legged bundles of love to a pet sitter. I’d be able to bring them along with my luggage. These pet-friendly hotels in Orlando featured here say yes to Gigis and heck yea to Bennys. Some will simply let my frequent companions hang out by my side, while others will outright pamper the pooches with toys and treats.

It’s common for hotels to accommodate service animals, since laws demand they do. If you want to bring along your pets for any other reason, look to these fur-friendly renters of rooms and start to pack!

1. A Hotel Where Dogs Get to be Very Important

The Alfond Inn is located in a residential neighborhood, so it seems fitting that the art-filled boutique hotel has welcomed dogs from Day 1. Guests are invited to pack their pups — any size, but two maximum please — for an extra fee per room, per night. You’ll receive a complimentary dog bowl and have easy access to a dedicated dog-relief area.

Better yet, a nearby 23-acre green space on Lake Baldwins allows four-legged friends to run off-leash during specific hours. Upgrade to the VIP Pup Package for a load of extras — treats, toys, coupons to pet shops, a mat for under the bowl, a Thunder Shirt, a free dog-walking session, and a donation to the local Pet Alliance.

The Alfond Inn

Top rated
Winter Park
9.4 Excellent (2079 reviews)

2. Both Pets and Humans Will Be Happy with the Menu at this Hotel

Talk about chowing down a meal. You can pack your regular cat or dog chow for a stay at the 443-room Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort with your pet. Or your favorite fur-friend — 25 pounds and under — can eat as well as you will at this towering Lakeside Spanish Revival establishment.

The Meow menu includes You’re Kitten Me!, a chicken-broccoli dish, while one of four Bark offerings is The Cold Nose, a mix of yogurt, peanut butter and apple slices. So yes, this upscale property in a Walt Disney World residential neighborhood welcomes your furry travel companions.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Top rated
Lake Buena Vista
9.7 Excellent (4064 reviews)

3. Double Up with Your Dog at this Hotel near SeaWord Parks

A quick hop from Central Florida’s three SeaWorld parks, the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld wants your pets to be as comfortable as you are. You’ll pay an additional fee for your Princess or Killer (two maximum) to sleep beside you, as long as your tailed traveler is petite — weighing no more than 25 pounds. You’ll lodge together in a designated first-floor villa room set aside for guests from the canine kingdom.

The sprawling resort offers several walking areas. Back in the room, you’ll need to crate your companions when you’re away. Decorated in sunny Florida colors, the 28-acre hotel provides free shuttle service to SeaWorld and Universal, and has two restaurants, two bars, and a kiddie camp with ping-pong and activities.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

Orlando
7.0(25518 reviews)

4. Canine Comfort in a Retro-chic Hotel in Orlando

Sleek in design and located directly across from Orlando’s magnificent performing arts center, the Aloft Orlando Downtown panders to pups as much as to people. Via the chain’s Animals R Fun program, this 118-room urban escape located in the former Orlando Utilities Commission Administration building welcomes up to two dogs per guest room, as long as each is 40 pounds or lighter.

You’ll receive not only a warm welcome for your leashed companion, but also a kit filled with a doggie bowl, treats, a dog tag, toys, a special bed and, so you don’t need to pack them, picker-upper bags. All the Aloft requires is that your pets be leashed in public areas, such as around the outdoor pool, and that owners fill out a form upon arrival.

Aloft Orlando Downtown

Top rated
Orlando
8.8 Excellent (2093 reviews)

5. A Pet-Friendly Hotel in the Heart of Orlando

Visitors may choose the Hyatt Regency Orlando for its convenient International Drive location, expansive swimming pools or its full-service spa/salon — with its own private serenity pool. Yet, what a place to park your poodle. Several of the 1,641 guestrooms are designed as dog-friendly. That means you can show up with one canine, 50 pounds or later, or two who weigh up to 75 pounds together.

You’ll shell out a cleaning fee for up to six nights, and then you’re free to start exploring Orlando. All the hotel asks is that, if you want the room cleaned, you leave with your pet or crate it. When it’s time for a walk, head downstairs to designated stations outside. Then you’re good to attend a convention, shop at the outlet malls or explore the tourist attractions.

Hyatt Regency Orlando

Top rated
Orlando
9.0 Excellent (4453 reviews)

6. A Hotel Near the Convention Center to Enjoy with Your Dog

Harris Rosen, the owner of Orlando’s Rosen Hotels & Resorts, is known to be a dog-lover — he often has one of his family’s seven pooches by his feet at the office. So it’s not surprising that he welcomes Fidos and Rovers at his properties, including the Rosen Plaza, located near the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando.

There, you’ll not only get to lodge with your pooch and a dedicated dog-walking area, you’ll also know he or she is safe when you’re away via the guestrooms’ RFID locking system. Ready? Check in, put the hotel-issued ID on your dog’s collar and place the “Dog in Room” hanger on your doorknob. Then plan for your conference, theme park visits or time by the pool, waterfall and hot tub.

Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center

Top rated
Orlando
9.1 Excellent (3985 reviews)

7. A Suite Destination for Animal-Toting Travelers

You’ll lodge in a two-story home-away-from-home at Saratoga Resort Villas, meaning up to six or eight of you can settle in for a home-like stay with kitchens, living rooms and, if you want, dogs. This 18-acre enclave south of Disney World in Kissimmee lets each group arrive with up to two tail-wagging cuties, up to 50 pounds apiece.

When you’re not hobnobbing with Mickey or Harry Potter, or recovering in your spacious digs, feel free to wander among the boardwalks and gazebos that connect lakes and landscaping. Then unwind by the free-form pool, over a dinner at the hotel restaurant or with her via a cool drink on your patio. If you leave Coco in your villa, simply place the Do Not Disturb sign on the door, so the housekeepers know to steer clear.

Saratoga Resort Villas

Top rated
Kissimmee
8.7 Excellent (216 reviews)

8. Pets Get to Go on Holiday Too

The closest off-site hotel to Orlando’s main airport, the bright and contemporary Holiday Inn Orlando—International Airport is mighty relaxed about pets — as long as you take them with you when you leave your guestroom. Not only dogs but also birds, cats and even fish are able to bunk with you.

They have to be small — under 30 pounds — but that’s it. You’ll pay a fee that covers your stay. There’s a walking area on-premise. The only rule is that you can’t leave the animal unattended. Recently renovated, you’ll arrive to a crisp modern lobby and café, rooms with mini-fridges and desks, and recreational options including a pool, sports courts and a fitness center.

Holiday Inn Orlando International Airport, an IHG Hotel

Orlando
8.0 Very good (2785 reviews)